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Hokage Building.
The atmosphere was tense.
Tsunade slammed her fist onto the desk. Though she held back enough to keep it from shattering, cracks spread across its surface. The force of the impact sent her coat fluttering behind her.
Glaring at Koharu Utatane, she barked, "Enough! Just say yes or no—stop wasting time with pointless talk!"
"Tsunade! Is that any way to speak to your elders?!" Koharu snapped, her face darkening.
"Tsunade, Koharu means well. Let's discuss this calmly," Homura Mitokado interjected, playing mediator before adding in a patronizing tone, "And you really should rein in that temper of yours."
"Cut the crap!" Tsunade shot back, refusing to humor them. "Here, there are no elders or juniors—only advisors!"
Homura and Koharu exchanged a glance, their mutual displeasure clear.
Lately, Tsunade had been too domineering. Many matters they could've exploited for personal gain—building connections, securing benefits for their clans—were now handled with ruthless efficiency. At their age, they sought only to pave the way for their descendants. But Tsunade? She operated with blunt fairness, reducing them to mere functionaries.
Their thoughts drifted to Danzō Shimura's recent approach, urging them to back his bid for Hokage. At the time, they'd dismissed it—his chances seemed slim, even with Orochimaru's support. But now? Under Tsunade, they stood to gain nothing. Perhaps Danzō would've been the lesser evil. At least with him, they knew where they stood.
A knock interrupted the tension.
"Advisors, the Hokage requests your presence," an ANBU operative announced after bowing.
Eager to escape, Koharu and Homura immediately stood. Tsunade scoffed but followed.
Hokage's Office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzō were already present. But there was another, unexpected figure: Itachi Uchiha, kneeling silently, head bowed, his expression unreadable.
Tsunade's eyes narrowed—something was wrong.
"The Uchiha clan plans to rebel. Tonight." Itachi's voice was heavy as he laid out their scheme.
Fugaku Uchiha would use the Konoha Military Police as a pretext to meet with Hiruzen, bringing the clan's elite to seize control of the Hokage. From there, they'd issue false orders to lure Danzō, Koharu, and others into a trap, decapitating Konoha's leadership in one stroke. With the Hokage's authority, Fugaku would then force Hiruzen to abdicate, transferring power to the Uchiha with minimal bloodshed.
Had Shisui's Kotoamatsukami still existed, the plan might've worked. But now, with Shisui gone, Itachi—who'd inherited his will—was prepared to protect Konoha at any cost.
The room's occupants reacted differently.
Tsunade crossed her arms, frowning, but no solution came to mind. At this point, even her grandfather Hashirama would've had no choice but suppression.
Koharu and Homura were surprised, but indifferent. The Uchiha's fate meant little to them.
Danzō hid his glee. Finally. A windfall of Sharingan awaited him—and with Orochimaru's backing, he might even overthrow Hiruzen. Two victories at once.
(His trust in Orochimaru wasn't unfounded—the snake Sannin had recently grafted him a new arm and gifted him a pair of three-tomoe Sharingan. The "generosity" spoke volumes.)
"Hiruzen," Danzō intoned gravely, "The Uchiha have made their choice. They betray Konoha. We must strike first."
"No." Hiruzen's voice was firm. "The Uchiha are Konoha's founding clan. Their contributions cannot be erased by one mistake. We will not abandon them."
Itachi shuddered, conflicted. Even now, the Hokage refused to act ruthlessly—a testament to his unwavering Will of Fire. If only his father shared such ideals…
"Hiruzen! Every second we delay, Konoha suffers!" Danzō's voice rose. "As Hokage, you cannot prioritize one clan over the village!"
(For a moment, he considered revealing Hiruzen's son, Kōshin, to provoke him—but held back.)
"Enough! I am Hokage!" Hiruzen's tone brooked no argument. "I will not sanction violence against our own!"
"You—!" Danzō nearly choked on his fury. Always the saint, leaving me to dirty my hands!
Ignoring him, Hiruzen turned to Itachi. After a pause, he spoke softly, "Itachi, return and stabilize the situation. I will find a solution. If necessary, I will meet your father tonight."
"Understood." Itachi bowed. "I will delay them until your arrival."
"Dismissed." Hiruzen waved him off, then addressed the room. "Now, we strategize. How do we resolve this?"
"You'll regret this, Hiruzen!" Danzō spat before storming out.
Outside, Danzō caught up to Itachi—and Orochimaru, who materialized beside them.
"The old man still hesitates," Orochimaru sneered.
Itachi's eyes flashed with killing intent. Danzō and Orochimaru were directly responsible for Shisui's death. Yet he couldn't act. Not without harming Konoha.
"I will deal with them," Itachi said coldly. "But you will ensure Sasuke's future in Konoha."
Protecting Sasuke and preserving the Uchiha name were his final acts. The sins would be his alone.
"Of course. I honor my agreements," Danzō smiled thinly. "And we know you're no traitor. In time, I'll clear your name."
"My name doesn't matter. Protect Sasuke." Itachi's voice was icy. "If you fail me, I will return."
His gaze lifted—Mangekyō Sharingan blazing. The air itself seemed to freeze. Danzō stiffened, a primal fear gripping him.
(Clenching his fist, he seethed inwardly. Damn you. Oh, I'll "protect" your brother alright.)
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